Canyon de Chelly National Monument (pronounced "canyon d'shay"), contains
over 2500 archeological sites ranging from 1500 B.C. to 1350 A.D. and
is considered one of the oldest continuously occupied sites in North
America. Among these sites are several hundred Anasazi Indian villages
built between 350 and 1300 A.D. After 1100 the Anasazi built dramatic
masonry cliff dwellings in caves and recesses in the canyon walls. The
Anasazi began to vacate the canyons about 1300 A.D. The area was sporadically
occupied until the early 1700s when the Navajo Indians began settling
in the canyons. Today, Canyon de Chelly sits in the middle of the Navajo
Indian Reservation and is still home to many Navajo who live in and
utilize the canyon's resources. Notable sites are White House Ruin,
one of the best known and most dramatic of the Anasazi cliff dwellings;
Mummy Cave, a large cliff dwelling with a 3-story tower occupied from
300 to 1300 A.D.; and Antelope House, named for its many colorful paintings
of antelope.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, administered by the National
Park Service, is three miles east of Chinle, Arizona, off US 191 on
Arizona Rte. 7. Except for a self-guiding trail from the White House
Overlook to the White House Ruin, all visitors must be accompanied by
a park ranger or an authorized guide. The Visitors Center is open daily
from 8:00am to 5:00pm, October to April; and 8:00am to 6:00pm, May to
September. Please call 928-674-5500, or visit the park's website
for further information.